Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the sluggish progress observed at various project sites across the state.
During an inspection visit to the ongoing construction of the Ezillo-Ezzagu Road in Ishielu Local Government Area, the governor, represented by his deputy, Princess Patricia Obila, voiced concerns over the pace of work by Ontime Venia Nigeria Company Limited. PulseNets learnt that Nwifuru condemned the company’s lack of commitment and urgency in delivering the road project.
The governor stressed that the Ezillo-Ezzagu Road holds significant importance, as it connects numerous communities, facilitating commercial activities that could bolster the local economy. According to Nwifuru, all his administration’s projects have been fully paid for, and he warned that errant contractors would face arrest and prosecution.
“As part of our activities lined up for the 2024 Independence Day celebration, we are on the second day of our project inspection. We are at Ezillo-Ezzagu Road. This road was actually terribly bad. This road is important to us. It is linked to so many communities, and with that, we have a lot of commercial activities that will boost these communities if we can finish this road,” Nwifuru said.
Speaking to PulseNets, the governor added, “For the contractor, the job is not going the way we want it. It is very slow. We work with time and the community will arrest you if you don’t deliver.”
In response, Chris Anene, managing director of Ontime Venia Nigeria Company Limited, told PulseNets that only two out of the 23 kilometres of the road have been completed. He attributed the delay to adverse weather conditions, stating, “It’s actually the rain. The weather has not been friendly at all. Whenever we see clear weather, we must make sure that we work. We have been on-site for three or four months now.”
Also Read: Nwifuru Govt approves N13bn for rehabilitation of Chuba Okadigbo airport runway
Meanwhile, PulseNets reported that Governor Nwifuru has ordered the immediate arrest of contractors handling the housing scheme in Amanze and Izzo communities, citing their failure to complete the assigned projects.
